Parties aside, we're all American

Back in the day, staying up past 1 a.m. was not a problem. I even got up early the next day, showered and looked fluffy for work and was good to go after a cappuccino.

Not so much today.

I realized that when this is in the paper it will be Friday. But today is Wednesday, and boy, oh boy, do I have an election hangover.

I watched it all and held on to see President Obama speak after watching Mitt Romney give a very classy concession speech only to wake up at around 4:30 a.m. to an incredibly loud infomercial.

I voted for Obama. I am very happy that he won.

I also understand all those who are not happy today because if Obama had lost, I would be not just tired. I would be terribly sad.

There is so much division in our country. Some days just explaining things to my girls when they question me leaves me scrambling to find the words.

Who can marry which gender, inequality, equal choice for women, health care issues, money... my kids have big ears and this house of ours is tiny.

They hear David and I discuss issues we are both passionate about.

They are at the age where they want in on every conversation. We keep it light and tell them minimal facts.

Of course, our opinion will come into the conversation but I want my girls to believe what they want.

I will steer them to be good, productive citizens. I will not tell them what to believe.

Charlotte came home from school yesterday with Election Day worksheets.

One of them had information about Obama and Romney, such as date of birth, political party, etc. Charlotte had scribbled out Romney's face. I chuckled and thought, wow, they have really been paying attention around here.

Later at dinner, Olivia was telling us how a classmate had been making fun of Obama at school and that his parents said he was stupid. Olivia seemed shocked.

I said to her that being president or even running for president requires lots of school and incredible intelligence.

I explained how very smart both candidates are and both want what is best for America.

I am very happy that my president will be around for another four years. But I understand the disappointment and even anger that many have that Romney did not win. I truly hope, as I explained to my girls at dinner, that we can come together for the good of us all.

Four years ago, I watched Obama win, and we had nothing. David had been laid off. We were feeding our kids with food stamps. Today, sure, we are struggling, some weeks really, really struggling, but we are still standing and getting somewhere.

My hope is for this country. We might be Democrats or Republicans or whatever party or no party at all. But we are all Americans.